Rep Power: 0

I found my battery getting weaker and weaker everytime I started my 98 Honda Civic LX. Replaced the battery as it was getting old. Several days later with start and stop driving, this new battery was getting low just like the old one. Put a charger on it and the same thing happened again days later.
Checked the battery voltage under load..11 volts. With the engine running and lights, etc on, 12 volts. Ok, the alternator is putting out, but not much, my question is..why ? How do I determine if the alternator is bad or maybe it's the electronic load detector (where is this and what does it look like) My instrument failure lite has never come on. I can see that replacing the alternator is no snap. Is there an easy way of removing and replacing it ?
The car only has 45,000 miles on it and everything is original equipment.
Any ideas, besides taking it back to the dealer ? (not under warrenty)
Roger

 
Rep Power: 452

well first off, you need to load test the alternator. best way is to have a shop do it because you need a VAT to do so. That will tell you the true amp output of the alternator. Your battery is fine, but I think your alternator isnt putting out enough amps to keep it charged.

 
Rep Power: 307

With a load (lights, blower fan) you should be seeing about 14.1 or so when proper.

 
Rep Power: 0

i have same problem!... it came out of know where ,car ran FINE all day and i stopped at a freinds house and when we were leaving it was completey dead.. had to jump it. everytime i turn it off it needs a jump. no indicator lamp or anything... dang.

first my starter then my alternator. all in less then 2 months! i just got home from discount auto, and they wont even test it cuz its after dark... yet they can all stand outside and smoke.. wtf is this.. omfg. 168 for alternator! and probally 4 hours to put it in. Do u see how that ish is located, its like they tried to hide the damn thing.. omg. =*(

 
Rep Power: 0

This is my 1st Civic and I have heard for years how great the little car is, Well in 45,000 miles, I have replaced 2 oxy sensing units (300.00 the first time ) replaced the wiper control switch (it fell apart, another 225.00) Now it looks like I have an alternator to replace. That's easy on most cars, but not a Civic. I can hardly see it down under what not. Garage wants 300.00 to do the job. I also have a Dodge Dakota...I could change the alternator on it with an old rusty screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Great little car ??????
Roger

 
Rep Power: 452

the civics alternator isnt that hard to replace either. all you need to do is loosen the wing nut and a few bolts to remove the belt, then remove a few bolts and wires and it comes off. Isnt hard at all. Just jack up the car and do it. Shouldnt take that long.

Most of the stuff that you had replaced are very easy things to replace yourself. O2 sensors take 5 sec to change. Every car out there has problems now and then, some more often then others. Like I tell other people, at the dealer I worked at, I have seen cars come in with 200K on the odometer and have rarely have problems, yet other brand new cars come in with less then 10k and have several reoccuring problems.